Latch handle



Dec. 7, 1943. R. w. KER]; 2,336,102

LATCH HANDLE File d June 30, 1942 Patented Dec. 7, 1943 UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE m'rcn HANDLE Ralph W. Kerr, Bowman, N. Dak. Application June 30,1942, Serial No. 449,046

1 Claim.

This invention relates to improvements in latch handles particularly adapted for application to the doors of aeroplanes and automobiles.

It is an object of the invention to provide a handle for operating door latches which is confined in a recess in the door when in an inoperative position so that it is substantially flush with the door surface.

The conventional door handles project beyond the surface of the door and frequently result in injury to persons falling against the same or damage to clothing catching on the handle and the present invention is designed to obviate these objections and also prevent forcible turning of the handle when the door is locked.

- Another object of the invention resides in providing a handleof the above-mentioned character which is simple and durable in construction, reliable and efficient in operation, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description. i I

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an aeroplane door showing the handle mounted therein,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the door showing the handle in closed position,

Fig. 3 is a similar view showing the handle in open position,

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the handle, and,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the link for connecting the handle to the latch operating rod.

In the drawing wherein for the purpose of illustration I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 5 denotes the door of an aeroplane having the improved handle mally moves the handle to its concealed position shown in Fig. 2. The opposite end of the link 9 is bifurcated to receive the end of the latch operating rod i1 and has apertures I8 to receive a pivot pin l9 pivotally connecting the rod and link together. The rod ll operates the latch bolt 20 of the latch mechanism 2|. built in the latch mechanism or the handle whichever may be preferred.

In operation, when the latch bolt is in closed position, the handle 6 automatically assumes the position shown in Fig. entire handle. is confined within the slot I of the door, both ends be'ng disposed within the slot so they do not project beyond the door surface. To open the latch pressure is applied to one end of the handle, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3,

which rocks the handle to swing the opposite end outwardly from the slot beyond the door surface so that it may be gripped by the hand. This initial movement of the handle does not move the link 9 but compresses the spring [5, allowing the lug l4 to contact the side of the link. With lug l4 in contact with the link further movement of the handle in an outward direction will rock the link 9 and move the latch operating rod I! to withdraw the latch bolt 20, thus opening the latch.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that certain changes in the shape, size and arrangement of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claim.

, Having thus described my invention, I claim: A latch operating mechanism for a closure 7 comprising a bracket mounted upon the inner I applied thereto but it is to be understood the handle may be applied to the door of an automobile or any other similar closure. The handle I is of arcuate shape throughout its length and is adapted to fit within a longitudinal slot 1 formed in the surface of the door. A shank 8 projects from the concave face of the handle, adjacent one end, and is pivotally connected to one end of a link 9 by a. pivot pin III which passes through apertures H in the end of the shank and an opening I! in the end of the link. The pivot pin I0 is mounted on a bracket l3 fixedly attached to the inside of the door. A lug. It extends longitudinally from the end of the shank 8 adapted to contact one side of the link 9 when the handle is in the position shown in Fig. 3. A spring I! seated in a recess IS in the side of the link 8 presses against the lug l4 and norside ofthe closure,- a handle'having a shank intermediate its ends, said shank being pivotally mounted on a pivot of the bracket and of a length to present the handle within a slot formed in the closure, a link having one end pivotally mounted upon the pivot of the bracket, the opposite end of the link being bifurcated, a latch mechanism 'having' an operating rod pvotally connected within the bifurcations of the link, the shank of the handle having a lug at its end for engaging I one side of said link when the handle is moved about said pivot to project one end of the handle from the slot, and a spring member interposed between'said lug and link normally holding said handle with its ends confined within the slot, but compressible to allow said lug to engage said link and impart movement to said link and operating rod.

' RALPH W. KERR.

A lock may be 2. In this position the 

